Iloilo activists decry anew red-tagging

ILOILO CITY – Activists in Iloilo are once again condemning the alleged red-tagging or alleged linkages to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“This is a cowardly deed,” said Bryan Bosque, deputy spokesperson of Bayan-Panay.

This is after tarpaulins bearing the name and face of Bosque and other activits have again appeared in several places in Iloilo City.

Others include Lean Porquia, the son of slain activist Jory Porquia; John Ian Alenciaga of Altermedya Panay; Lucy Francisco of Gabriela-Panay; Irish Inoceto of Iloilo Pride Team; Maura Abellon of Kadamay-Panay; and lawyers Teofisto Melliza and Jobert Pahilga of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL).
 
The tarpaulin said the activists are qualified for the Enhanced Community Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government’s reintegration program for former NPA rebels.

Bosque said the tarpaulins are only malicious, but also aims to silence them.

Bosque emphasized that it jeopardizes their safety and security, especially that other activists have been previously tagged before they were killed.

“If they were not killed, they were jailed or filed with trumped-up charges just like what happened to Bayan-Panay’s secretary general Elmer Forro,” Bosque added.
 
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered the tarpaulins to be taken down.